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Posted 6/10/2009 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
Are there any tricks for not letting stressful situations go right to the gut? Literally, as soon as I hear bad news, I run to the bathroom. I have some stressful things going on right now. My condition has finally improved now that Imuran has kicked in, but when I get stressed, worried, etc., I get sick instantly. Is there anyway to stop this reaction? Deep breathing and counting only helps somewhat.

These stressful situations, thankfully, are not something that constantly happen -- maybe once every few months, but when they do happen, I get really sick nd sometimes I feel like these bouts put me into a full flare.

(Also, I once tried an anti-anxiety med, it was either xanax or zoloft, and that messed up my stomach even more, so I am really looking for med-free stress solutions).

Thanks for any advice you might have.
Posted 6/10/2009 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
This is not something that can be fixed easily. Stress is a known cause of flares and short of curing your Crohn's, only a daily meditation program can offer some help. Unfortunately, it commonly takes years for that method to work. You could try to find any of Eckhart Tolle's books at your library for some ideas about how it might work - and whether it would be suitable for you.
Posted 6/10/2009 5:42 AM (GMT 0)
I am exactly the same in that as soon as I am stressed, upset or worried, in even the slightest way – my appetite absolutely disappears. My boyfriend and I broke up a few months ago and I didn’t eat for 5 days straight – I couldn’t even stomach ½ a gingernut biscuit it was that bad. I would literally feel like I was going to throw up at the prospect of food.   I lost so much weight during those 5 days it was dangerous. When we started talking again my appetite gradually returned.   I have always been someone who gets nervous ‘through’ their stomach. When I was younger I used to have panic attacks and feel like I was going to throw up. It was terrifying.   My coping mechanism with those was deep breaths – the last thing you feel like doing when you’re stressed or worried but it really works. Try to find that ‘zen’ place – focus on a candle, take a hot long bath, try to relax your muscles body part by body part – and be conscious of the effect that stress is having on your body physically just as much as mentally. I think being conscious of the stress is always the first step to dealing with it.
Posted 6/10/2009 11:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi when i get stressed i tend to lose weight quite quick i have recently brought a book on Amazon called cognitive behaviour therapy for dummies its not new out but is brilliant! its more a reference book it gives you ways of dealing with different situations such as stress,negative thinking, Panic and anxiety i really recommened it i showed it to my GP and he was impressed and has made a note of it to pass on to patients that he has with therse disorders good luck Bev x

Posted 6/10/2009 11:52 AM (GMT 0)
If it is something I can avoid I do it, but if I cant I sometimes take Xanax.

I used to get really bad panic attacks but this book saved me http://www.amazon.com/Panic-Attacks-Workbook-Program-Beating/dp/1569754152/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244634670&sr=8-1 Highly recommend it if you get panic attacks or anxiety
Posted 6/10/2009 1:40 PM (GMT 0)
I developed anxiety related to my Crohns. I now take Xanax (lowest dose) at the first hint of my anxiety ramping up and it stops it in its tracks. I use to have those stress flares 3-4 times a year, and now with the help of my Xanax I have not had any in ages. CBT therapy as mentioned above in another great help. By the way, I only use my Xanax maybe 1-3 times a month.
Posted 6/10/2009 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
Nanners - did your GI prescribe the Xanax? I heard that it makes people sleepy - if you have a sudden stressful situation during the day, can you take it and still function? Thanks.

I will definitely look into the recommended books, thanks for the suggestions.
Posted 6/10/2009 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
I do not know if you are a spiritual person or not, but when I am stressed, I say the Serenity Prayer several times. It seems to help me put things into perspective.

Serenity Prayer:
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I can not change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Posted 6/10/2009 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
Exercising regularly has been a HUGE stress reliever for me, I can deal with things much better emotionally since exercising regularly than ever before...it has even helped with combating the depression and anxiety issues I had due to crohn's. Not to mention all the other benefits that come with it.

:)
Posted 6/10/2009 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
While I take Lexapro on a regular basis, I, like everyone, have found stress to really take a toll on my body.  Most of that stress comes at work.  I have tried to reduce that by simply deciding it's not worth it.  I know that sounds simple, and it's not, but it truly has worked for me.  After being so sick, I've just decided that work is not the most important thing.  When I decided that, the stress about each little thing dropped dramatically.  Sure I still get worked up.  I'm a manager and there are always all kinds of fires to put out.  But I no longer make work the most important thing in my life.  Good luck.

Posted 6/10/2009 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Catpower,

I take the lowest dose of Xanax (.25mg) and it does not make me drowsy. But I have a pretty high tolerance to meds, and take pain meds regularly. If I need it at work, I always have some in my drawer. It has made a world of difference, especially with those stress flares. Oh and my family doc prescribed them.

Hugs
Gail *Nanners*
Posted 6/10/2009 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
I take lorazepam...when the panic strikes I take one and dissolve it under my tongue asap. While I wouldn't recommend taking two because it can knock you on your butt and make you really sleepy, I find one takes the edge off really quick in order for you to get to the point of trying to relax your mind...as much as humanly possible. once again it is called Novo-lorazem of Lorazepam .5mg. I know the other anti anxiety meds they tried on me just made me get gut rot and made it worse with the shakes and nervousness feelings. Hope this helps.
Posted 6/10/2009 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
I take deep, and I mean deep, breaths. I haven't taken any kind of medication for the stress so right now I try and surround myself by things that are soothing or light e.g. as in books, movies, music, etc. To help keep me a little less on edge for when I am away from anything that might be comforting.

And sometimes I just bawl my eyes out. It makes me feel better mentally though I do notice some stomach upset after severely crying hah..
Posted 6/10/2009 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Oh Catpower, just wanted to let you know one more thing. I tried Zoloft before too, and it tore my stomach up BAD. The Xanax doesnt upset my gut at all, in fact, is very calming. Good luck!
Posted 6/10/2009 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
I too am a stress sucker, I get stressed about every little thing and my gut pays the consequences. I recently quit coffee and I'll see if that helps any.
Posted 6/10/2009 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, same here. Any emotional upset, or even excitement or nerves can cause me to run straight to the bathroom! It's crazy!

I've been on a anti-depressant for the past 6 months for anxiety, and that has helped a lot. I'm a lot more calm and peaceful these days.

Posted 6/11/2009 12:14 AM (GMT 0)

Nanners said...
Catpower,

I take the lowest dose of Xanax (.25mg) and it does not make me drowsy. But I have a pretty high tolerance to meds, and take pain meds regularly. If I need it at work, I always have some in my drawer. It has made a world of difference, especially with those stress flares. Oh and my family doc prescribed them.

Hugs
Gail *Nanners*



I also take .25 mg I get sleepy if I am not doing anything but if I am active I stay awake..
Posted 6/11/2009 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
This is what I do when I am stressed:
1. pray
2. read my Bible
3. journal
4. walk
5. talk to my mom
Not neccessarily in that order. And a weird thing I do when I can't sleep, I visualize being at the dentist office breathing in nitrous oxide taking in deep breaths through my nose, and feel my body relax as though I'm actually getting the drug. Funny too, cuz going to the dentist in reality gets me anxious.
But the number one thing I do everyday to help me relax is I always read a good, light hearted novel. Sometimes just a couple of pages a day. It's the best escape there is!!
Posted 6/11/2009 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
I don't really see a direct correlation between stress and my symptoms. Sometimes I feel really calm and happy, but still have symptoms, and sometimes I can handle very stressful events without any symptoms. But one interesting thing, is that when I'm having bad GI pain, Xanax is the only thing that helps. I don't know if that's because I get really tense when I'm in a lot of pain, and the Xanax calms me down, or if I'm anxious and not recognizing it that way. I only take 1/2 of a .25 pill, and only at night, but it works to take the edge off the pain.
Posted 6/11/2009 5:42 AM (GMT 0)
How do I handle stress? I don't. It man-handles ME! Usually it picks me up and twirls me over its' head, making the room spin and I feel nauseated. Then it bounces me on its' shoulder a few times for good measure before it throws me to the floor and stomps on me.
So. I try to avoid it at all costs. My family also makes an effort to keep the stress low, and I appreciate that. Stress is just gonna steam-roll over me. After the initial reaction and if I have a little bit of time to think and plan, then I feel like I can handle it...but I just gotta let it run its course until I have a plan to set me straight and feel like I have some control, or will be able to get control soon.
heidi

I like the prayer, but I added something to it:

Serenity Prayer:
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I can not change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
But please, God, do not give me strength.
Because if you give me strength I know I'll *kill* the bugger who's stressing me!
Posted 6/12/2009 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
A link to a stress coping guide: BadGut
Posted 6/12/2009 4:57 AM (GMT 0)
SilvAnniv

Thank you for the laugh. I know just how you feel!

Sometimes I think the stress will kill me long before the disease will, but I guess it's still this DD that's really the problem.

Sylph
Posted 6/12/2009 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Stress is certainly not our friend.  I like meditation because it quiets my thoughts.....get a CD that is a "guided" meditation, meaning they talk you through.  It's relaxing and easy.  Playing "happy" music helps me too.  I made a CD that has only uplifting songs on it.  I also have a great network of friends and family who understand my disease and that's important!  I am a very positive person who uses the law of attraction and living in the moment, which for me, works amazing!!  I have a blog that you may want to check out too:  www.carolbeckwall.blogspot.com

 

Good luck!

Posted 6/12/2009 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Ice cream? :)
Posted 6/13/2009 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
For me Cymbalta.
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